Weapons testing

The Firearms Act is far reaching and it therefore follows that the forensic examination of firearms and weapons testing is a key part of forensic casework.

A range of different types of weapons and associated items are often encountered in criminal investigations and the examination of such alleged weapons, and the assessment of their illegality or otherwise under the UK firearms law requires the specialist services of a firearms expert witness.

Firearms Act

Various types of weapons and associated items are encountered in forensic casework such as ballistics. These include different types of firearms such as pistols, shotguns, stun guns, imitation firearms, converted blank firers, toys and associated ammunition. Criminal charges for possession of these depend upon their classification under current UK firearms law.

Criminal charges for possessing any one of these items will depend how they have been classified according to current UK firearms law. Instructing a highly experienced and competent firearms expert is essential for the interpretation of that Firearms Act as well as the examination of the firearms in question.

UK firearms law - case example

Person found in possession of a partially converted blank firer is arrested for possession of a firearm. After forensic examination and reporting by the prosecution, the defendant is charged with Possession of component parts from a Section 5 firearm.

How can our ballistics expert assist the defence?

Our forensic firearms expert has years of experience of examining, testing and classifying weapons according to UK Legislation, having worked for Forensic Science Northern Ireland.

In this case our firearms expert examined and tested the weapon and found that it was not in working order and that it had not been completely converted into a firearm.

Our firearms expert can:

Examine weapons and ammunition for classification purposes.

Assess of the condition of weapons or firearms.

Conduct velocity testing to determine muzzle energy.

Conduct weapons testing to include: test firing and the recovery of bullets and cartridge cases for forensic comparison.

Review the original forensic examination, findings and report(s).

Re-interpret the findings in the light of your client’s version of events.

Re-examine any firearms, ammunition or scene related items that have been retained by the police.

Examine additional forensic evidence.

Comment on factors that may not have been considered in original forensic report.

Prepare reports or statements for use in both criminal and civil courts.

Attend court as a firearms expert witness to give evidence or to support the defence team by assisting with cross-examination.